Joseph John Gelleny

October 5, 1923 - October 13, 2017 We sadly announce the passing of Joseph John Gelleny at Christenson Village in Gibsons. Joe was born in Hungary and emigrated to Canada at the age of eight, spending his formative years in Welland, Ontario. At the age of 20 Joe volunteered for the RCA and was quickly recruited into the British SOE for training as an allied secret agent at Camp X, the spy school in Whitby, Ontario. Joe's training was completed in Bletchley Park and Beaulieu, England. In 1944 after parachuting into Hungary behind enemy lines he was captured and later escaped from the prisoner of war camp. Joe found his way to a safe house in Budapest where he worked with the resistance helping to save many lives. In 1947, after his return to Canada, he married Helen Mossey. In 1954 Joe and Helen moved to King City, Ontario where they raised their three children. Joe established a very successful business in construction and land development in both Ontario and Florida. In 2000 Joe published "Almost" a memoir of his WWII experiences as a spy. Joe's passions were fishing and golf. He shared this love with his children and grandchildren. Joe played his last game of golf on Father's Day 2017 with his son Lorne. Joe will be sadly missed by his children Sharon, Lorne and Jim as well as his 13 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to the Sechelt Hospital or charity of your choice.